Excerpt from the Book

Although it is difficult to think about, death and disability don’t always give us time to prepare. One spouse or partner may suddenly die, or both could die in a tragic accident leaving grief stricken family members to manage the many challenges of settling financial affairs. Though completing Part I of this workbook may be somewhat tedious, doing so is a gift of love; it will keep on giving even when you are unable to give any more.

In the event of a death or incapacitation, it can be emotionally overwhelming for loved ones or others to step in and take appropriate action in a timely manner. The purpose of this workbook is three-fold:

to help you organize your personal affairs in case you die or become incapacitated;

to provide important information and answers to questions that may arise for those you’ve chosen to tend to your affairs; and

to give yourself a sense of comfort now knowing your loved ones will be greatly comforted and helped during a time of loss and confusion.

Also included is a glossary of terms that are used throughout the workbook, as well as other terms that might be of use.

Advanced planning and organization of your affairs is imperative to ensure that your wishes are carried out if you should die or become incapacitated. We can never know for sure when decisions will have to be made on our behalf, so we must decide who will make those decisions for us and provide instructions to guide them. Being organized makes it easier for others to act in your best interest. This workbook is designed to help you provide that guidance, and give you and your loved ones a sense of comfort in difficult times.

Because some information might change over time, if you have purchased a printed copy of this workbook, you have permission to make copies of those pages that could potentially change for your own personal use.

Frank L. Nelson, LFACHE, RTRP, CFP®

A word about SECURITY before we get started…

In the same way that you protect your electronic information or any other valuables, be sure to safeguard the information you compile on these pages. Keep the workbook in a safe and private place. Only you and those you trust should be aware of and have access to it.

While none of us want to think about the possibility of becoming incapacitated or of our inevitable death, it is imperative that we provide our loved ones with the information they need to handle a myriad of required actions. Because our families will be stressed enough, it is important not to leave them in the dark, digging to find important documents and information.

Here in Part I of the workbook, you’ll fill out some detailed forms to record personal information that your loved ones may need in the event of your incapacitation or death. Part II outlines the steps to accomplish. Please use the 'Additional Information' sections as a continuation of the information provided previously and/or simply to include additional information/instructions.

Completing these forms may seem daunting, however it needn't be completed in one sitting. You might consider spreading the task over a period of days. Once you are finished, you'll feel relieved, knowing that when the time comes, your loved ones will be grateful for your thoroughness.

The forms should be reviewed at least annually, or whenever significant changes occur.